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With the country battling the Corona virus, many of us are dealing with new ways of working. While I\u2019m sure no-one misses the daily commute, working from home presents its own challenges \u2026 & opportunities.<\/p>\n
Apart of the health & childcare concerns, we\u2019ll also be using more gas & electricity while working from home, so our energy bills will be going up. So, I thought I\u2019d put together some simple tips on saving energy at home whether you\u2019re alone or with the family.<\/p>\n
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Turn down the heating Make use of the thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control the temperature in each room, especially those that are unoccupied (for part of the day). The living room & office should be around 20\u00b0C & your bedrooms can be a bit cooler, around 16\u00b0C.<\/p>\n Overcome heating myths Switch it off Low energy lighting Cool laundry Block up those draughts Save energy in the kitchen In the bathroom But don\u2019t stop there \u2013 there are loads of things you can do around the home to save energy & money. Check out the Energy Savings Trust<\/a> website.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Environmental Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n How does this fit in with the environmental culture at work?\u00a0Now you\u2019re at home, it\u2019s a great time for you to formalise your company\u2019s commitment to protecting the environment.<\/p>\n First step is to write your Environmental Policy \u2013 see here to get started<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n _____________________<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Over half of a typical home\u2019s fuel bill is for heating & hot water – turning down the heating by just 1o<\/sup>C can save up to \u00a380 per year. Use the programmer to set your heating & hot water to come on when it\u2019s needed & go off when it\u2019s not.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Turning the heating up high doesn\u2019t heat the room quicker. It just means the heating will have to stay on longer to get to this unreasonably high temperature – by which time, people often then feel too hot & open the windows.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Have a \u2018Switch it off policy\u2019 to ensure equipment is turned off when not needed \u2013 your PC, laptop, printer, games consoles, lighting & heating!
\nDon\u2019t forget to switch off when you stop for lunch (with the family) or go for your daily walk.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Replace fluorescent & halogen bulbs with LED energy efficient lighting \u2013 this can save you \u00a335 per year.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Washing clothes at 30o<\/sup>C can save you up to \u00a352 a year. Most washing detergents are designed to work at lower temperatures \u2013 so keep the hotter washes for heavy soiling. If you can hang your washing out to dry or use a free-standing airer, instead of a tumble dryer.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Draught proofing your windows and doors could save up to \u00a320\/year.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Don\u2019t forget how you use the kitchen appliances can save electricity & gas (up to \u00a331 per year).
\nDon\u2019t fill the kettle to the brim, just use as much water as you need for your tea.
\nDon\u2019t leave the tap running, use a bowl when washing up.
\nUse a microwave to heat your food \u2013 especially for small quantities, it\u2019s far more efficient than a traditional gas\/electric hob.
\nPre-heat using the kettle \u2013 when cooking vegetables on the hob, boil the water in a kettle first.
\nDon\u2019t open the oven door too often – you\u2019ll let out hot air and waste energy.
\nCook in bulk \u2013 this helps you save money on ingredients, your time, as well as energy.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Reduce hot water usage with low flow showers heads & taps … and try to have shorter showers.<\/p>\n